Government to introduce lightweight plastic bag ban

The State Government has announced from November 1 lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned in Victoria.

Lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned across Victoria from November 1 this year as part of new legislation introduced to parliament this week.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the ban, introduced by the Andrews Government, was a “crucial step” in protecting Victoria’s rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.

The legislation will ensure all single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned, including bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.

Ms D’Ambrosio said plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem and the actions that are taken now will help ensure Victoria has a “clean and bright future”.

“The feedback on this one was clear. Victorians want to do more to protect the environment from the damage litter causes and are overwhelmingly supportive of banning single-use plastic shopping bags,” she said.

“We’ve been working closely with businesses to plan for the ban ahead of November and we’ll continue to look at ways we can reduce other types of plastic pollution across Victoria.”

The ban will apply to bags being provided at retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores and service stations. However does not apply to barrier bags for fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, garbage bags and bin liners and animal waste bags.